One Helluva Mess by Jean-Claude Izzo (Arcadia), a taut thriller, makes a splendid introduction to Marseille's seamy side.

The new edition also includes a CD of Buxtehude's works which makes a splendid introduction to the work of this neglected composer.

This documentary provides a splendid introduction.

In a letter to Power on December 31, 1931, Hughes thanked her "for the splendid little introduction" she wrote for his book of poems, The Dream Keeper.

Ultimately considering whether these animals will survive, the book is "fun to read and a splendid and much-needed introduction," Vicki Hearne said here.

If you are not familiar with the man, this is a splendid introduction.

The Musée Jeanne-d'Arc, a collection of waxwork tableaux and other exhibits (with English commentary), sounds gimmicky but it provides a splendid and balanced introduction to the whole story.

For Eugénie it was a splendid introduction to family life among the Bonapartes.

Let's hear it: "Thanks for that splendid introduction, Attorney General."

"The Food of Southern Italy," by Carlo Middione (Morrow, $25) is a splendid introduction to a region that until recently got short shrift from American food lovers.